An owner has had to spend hundreds of pounds on her pet after it was savagely attacked by a gang of dogs while out on a walk in Somerset.

Rachel Shaw was taking her dog Lily-Rose, 2, for a walk through the snow in Taunton over the weekend (Sunday, March 11).

They eventually arrived at Victoria Park at around 4.30pm following the long walk. Many were still enjoying the snow brought by Storm Emma.

Rachel decided to take Lily-Rose, who is a Shar Pei cross Husky, off her lead to enjoy the open space.

Victoria Park in Taunton where the incident reportedly took place

She said: “My dog was off her lead and running around independently. She spotted a group of dogs off their leads also.

“My dog started to run towards the group of dogs who were on the opposite side of the field to us.

“I shouted for her to come back and she began to make a change of direction to come back to me, when the group of dogs spotted her and began to chase after her.”

Lily-Rose photographed on the morning the incident took place

What happened next completely shook Rachel.

She said: “They tackled her to the floor, aggressively growling, snapping and barking at her. At first I thought they were being playful, but I soon realised it was not.

“I managed to get a hold of my dog who was still trying to get away from these dogs attacking her. The owners were apologetic.

“However, it was only after I’d quickly walked my dog home and checked her over that I noticed blood.

“She’d been left with various open flesh wounds, ripped out fur, and bite marks.”

Lily-Rose had to have stitches following the savage attack

Sarah claims that her dog was left with three open flesh wounds. This has reportedly cost her £267 involving consultation with the vet, antibiotics, a penicillin injection and stitches.

She said: “The cost of this doesn’t even compare to how much my dog means to me.

“It’s difficult to remember exactly how many dogs there were. I believe it was five dogs. The whole incident happened incredibly quickly and it was difficult to remember the specifics after finding out my dog had been seriously hurt.

“I would at least like to prevent this from happening again to another dog or worse.”

She told Somerset Live that the owner of the dogs has been in touch and agreed to give some money towards veterinary costs.

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